Bethany Mateosian is a Pilates Method Alliance Certified Pilates Teacher and the founder of Springboard Pilates in Portland’s West End.
SRG: What is the focus / intention of Pilates?
BM: Pilates is all about moving from your center. In every exercise, we try to connect people with their deepest abdominal muscles so that they can decompress their spine and breathe better.
SRG: How does Pilates differ from other forms of exercise?
BM: Pilates focuses heavily on the power of a mind/body/spirit connection. The idea is that if you really get into your body and focus on what you’re doing and how you do it, you get less wear and tear on the joints and a great feeling of lift and accomplishment at the end of a session.
Pilates also has a unique set of equipment that we use to lengthen and strengthen the body. Joseph Pilates developed these machines while interned in a concentration camp for German nationals during World War I. He then refined the models when he moved to New York City in the early 20’s and worked with injured ballet dancers and other athletes. This equipment helps inform your body where to be in space, alternately supporting and challenging muscles to build uniform development in the body.
SRG: What are some benefits people can experience from Pilates?
BM: Better posture, more energy, longer, leaner muscles, less back and joint pain
SRG: What are the differences between mat classes and private sessions?
BM: Private lessons allow us to focus on you specifically whether for rehab, athletic goals, or just health maintenance. In private lessons, we can use the Pilates resistance-based machines and the mat work. The mat work challenges people to work against gravity and the weight of their own body. They are more affordable, and give you tools to develop a home workout routine, since the mat work is designed to be done anywhere.
SRG: What can a beginner expect when trying Pilates for the first time?
BM: We always tell people to try it five or six times before deciding if they love it or hate it. ‘Moving from the center out’ is not something that usually clicks into place in the first lesson. But usually within that first month, there is an ‘aha moment’ where the strength has built up and some new muscle coordination comes into play.
SRG: What services do you offer at your studio?
BM: Privates, duets, trios, quads, group machine/mat classes, group mat classes, custom recorded audio workouts, and teacher training
SRG: Is there anything else you would like to add?
BM: We are trained through one of the most rigorous programs in the country. We do extensive continuing education, and we are always exploring new angles within these 100-year-old exercise sequences. Our studio has a warm and relaxed atmosphere, and is located in the heart of the West End.
